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Adapted PE

photo of a young boy, outside on a green lawn in front of a building, rolling a ball down a chute with the help of a SEDOL staff member standing next to him

Adapted Physical Education (Adapted PE) is a modified physical education program designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities, ensuring they can participate in physical activities in ways that are safe, enjoyable, and beneficial for their physical, emotional, and social development.

Adapted PE programs enable students with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities to engage in fitness, sports, and recreational activities in a way that promotes their overall health and well-being. Key components of Adapted PE include:

Individualized Instruction: The program is tailored to the specific abilities and needs of each student. This can involve modifying activities, goals, and equipment to ensure participation and success.

Inclusive Participation: Adapted PE seeks to include students with disabilities in physical activities alongside their peers, with necessary accommodations or modifications. When full inclusion isn't possible, specialized or parallel activities are designed. Self-contained adapted PE classes are designed to be closely aligned with the general education PE curriculum, ensuring that students with disabilities receive comparable instruction while accommodating their unique needs.

Modified Equipment and Activities: In Adapted PE, traditional sports or activities might be modified using specialized equipment (e.g., lighter balls, adapted bikes) or adapted rules (e.g., reducing the size of the playing area, allowing for different levels of participation).

Collaboration with Specialists: Adapted PE teachers often collaborate with physical therapists, occupational therapists, or other professionals to ensure the physical activities are appropriate for each student’s needs, focusing on their safety and abilities.

Focus on Motor Skills: Adapted PE emphasizes the development of fundamental motor skills, such as coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength. Activities are designed to improve a student's physical health while respecting their limitations.

Social and Emotional Benefits: Physical activities in Adapted PE also help students build social skills, confidence, teamwork, and self-esteem. It's not just about physical fitness but also fostering emotional well-being and social inclusion.

The Adapted PE Team at SEDOL consists of 6 APE teachers and 1 APE paraprofessional.